for Bass clarinet, Cello, Percussion – 2024

The composition draws its inspiration from the cremation ceremonies held in Bali, Indonesia. It aims to depict the 7 stages leading to Muksha, (Nirvana), as perceived by the composer. Each movement of the piece represents a distinct stage, gradually guiding towards enlightenment culminating in the final movement. The chanting unfolds as a means to delineate the ritual and its progressions, intensifying gradually until reaching the ultimate stage.

“Lei” refers to a flower in Hawaii (garland).The Lei serves as a silent yet potent messenger of complex feelings, often carrying the weight of words left unspoken.  A Lei can be given to someone for a variety of reasons, and its composition determines its significancy. A Lei can be connected with transition or transformation of a person.

The text sung by the musicians features the word “go away” in various languages. Going away as a symbolic meaning related with life, going away when someone passes away.